Develop a Comprehensive IAM Improvement Strategy
A successful identity and access management program is built on solid foundational processes.
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Common pitfalls can affect the value of IAM implementations:
- Lack of Stakeholder Support. Without strong executive support, IAM efforts may lack the authority to align departments and secure the necessary resources. Take a deliberate approach to modernizing your IAM program and discuss business, security, and compliance requirements with stakeholders.
- Viewing IAM as a project rather than a program. Organizations that view IAM as a one-time product implementation often struggle. IAM is a multi-phase, multi-year initiative requiring continuity, context, and sustained effort. Build a strategic roadmap for the program and clearly communicate the priority and benefits of its initiatives.
- Identity Sprawl: The proliferation of user identities across multiple systems complicates identity management and security. Design well-established, standardized processes for user onboarding, identity changes, and user offboarding as a foundation for the IAM program.
A successful IAM strategy must balance security and usability:
- Security: Ensure that the IAM program protects the organization’s systems, applications, and data from unauthorized access, breaches, and other threats. This includes implementing robust authentication methods, enforcing least privilege access, conducting regular access reviews, and maintaining comprehensive logging and monitoring.
- Usability: Ensure the IAM program is user-friendly and does not impede user productivity. This involves creating intuitive processes for authentication and access requests, minimizing the complexity of password requirements, providing efficient methods for password resets, and ensuring that the access management tools are accessible for both end users and administrators.
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Onsite Workshops offer an easy way to accelerate your project. If you are unable to do the project yourself, and a Guided Implementation isn’t enough, we offer low-cost onsite delivery of our Project Workshops. We take you through every phase of your project and ensure that you have a road map in place to complete your project successfully.
Book NowModule 1: Assess IAM Program Requirements
The Purpose
- Assess IAM Program Requirements
Key Benefits Achieved
- Understanding of core IAM program organizational requirements.
| Activities: | Outputs: | |
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| 1.1 | Identify program scope and goals. |
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| 1.2 | Identify program roles and responsibilities. |
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| 1.3 | Inventory repositories and identities. |
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| 1.4 | Conduct a pressure analysis. |
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Module 2: Gap Analysis and Policy Work
The Purpose
- Review current state of IAM program and relevant policies.
Key Benefits Achieved
- Understanding of effort required to achieve target state.
| Activities: | Outputs: | |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | Review the current state of the IAM program. |
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| 2.2 | Identify gap closure actions. |
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| 2.3 | Identify IAM initiatives. |
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| 2.4 | Review and improve key IAM policies. |
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Module 3: IAM Lifecycle Workflow Development
The Purpose
- Document current- and target-state foundational IAM processes.
Key Benefits Achieved
- Documented processes.
| Activities: | Outputs: | |
|---|---|---|
| 3.1 | Map the IAM joiner workflow. |
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| 3.2 | Map the IAM mover workflow. |
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| 3.3 | Map the IAM leaver workflow. |
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| 3.4 | Review IAM tools and identify gaps. |
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Module 4: IAM Strategy Review and Final Presentation
The Purpose
- Review IAM strategy.
Key Benefits Achieved
- Completed final presentation.
| Activities: | Outputs: | |
|---|---|---|
| 4.1 | Review IAM improvement initiatives. |
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| 4.2 | Prioritize IAM initiatives. |
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| 4.3 | Build buy-in for IAM Initiatives |
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| 4.4 | Prepare final presentation. |
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